Michael W Smith - Stand
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Free Music Notes for Stand
Free Music Review: Smith's 19th Album Still "Stands" for the Best
Hit: 4 Stars
Prime Cuts: Esacpe Your Love, How to Say Goodbye, Be Lifted High
18 albums later, Michael W. Smith still stands for the best that contemporary Christian music can bring. Whilst many a lesser artist would think that some clanging drums and ear-destroying guitars over a half-baked tunes may suffice as music, Smith continues to pilaster his music in sturdy melodic flair evincing a personal and heartfelt streak. After two albums of worship songs and the average "Healing Rain," "Stand" is the first of Smith's original material album that satisfies. However, his plunge into the traditional worship foray still bears a foreboding presence here as many of these new cuts could pass muster. Nevertheless, this new effort finds the import of his protégé Leeland Mooring as well as old pal Amy Grant and famed producer Matt Bronleewe as his writing cohorts. Though the songs are by no means out of character with Smith's polished pop trait, they are by far some of Smith's most thoughtful works that have an acuminous way of ministering to the lonely, lost and downtrodden bringing them to the redeeming arms of Jesus.
As the piano has always been Smith's choice métier of composition, the tinkling of some ivory magic is evident on the Smith/Amy Grant composition "How to Say Goodbye." Though clocking in at a mere 2:18 minutes, it is a heart rending piano ballad about a parents saying goodbye to a child. While "Be Lifted High" is an above par worship ballad bolstered by some expressive heartfelt prayerful lyrics. This is indeed a classic in the making. Reaching back to the late Keith Green's catalog "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" is something that would not be out of step with what Smith had been doing with his previous couple of worship CDs. Although "Grace" continues the worship theme, but Smith sounds raspy and out of breath on critical moments somehow marring the performance a tad.
Though this is a ballad heavy album, there is not a dearth of more propulsive endeavors. "Cover Me," finds a gritty Smith rocking with a reckless abandon in the assurance of God's sovereignty. Like "How to Say Goodbye" and "Oh Lord You're Beautiful," the title cut, a Hillsong cover, is a less than a three minute interlude that leaves more to be desired. Much more substantial is the contagious melodic "Escape Your Love" complete with a harmonica harmony that brings to mind Stevie Wonder's blithe "You're the Sunshine of My Life." Noteworthy also is "In Silence," a rollicking pop-rocker that challenges the church not be passive in the face of wants and needs.
After 18 albums many artists feel the need to keep re-defining themselves. However, at the end of the day, it still comes down to the songs. Without songs that have a way of itching into people's conscience and heart for a long time, no amount of re-invention will last. To this end, Smith knows it best. Overall, "Stand" is an album that will withstand the test of time and it also solidifies our hope in Smith to deliver the best in contemporary Christian music.
Free Music Review: A wonderful medley of powerful songs
Hit: 4 Stars
Someone said that this did not have the holy spirit on it like his worship cd's. i disagree. This is a heartfelt, powerful album. Healing Rain was a very good cd, but this one may be better. I have been a big fan of Michael W. Smith for a long time, and his music still is special. Songs like "Come See" and "Lord your Beautiful will usher you into God's presence. I can do without "Escape your Love". It does not fit on this album. There are some other songs that are less meditative, but great. Like "Cover Me", and "Silence", and "Come To The Cross". This is a rawer album by Smitty. He did not use any electronic voice enhancers, like he did on Healing Rain. This CD is just Michael. no lights, no flashy songs, no polished slickness. Just Michael and his Piano. This is something special.Free Music Review: Michael Fan
Hit: 4 Stars
After owning most of Michael W. Smith album's, this is a good CD but to me it is not the best one he has accomplished. There are a few good songs on the album. This is one is also more laid back, it is as if he is tending to more of slow songs these days. Probably because he has been working on the Worhsip Cd's and ever since then things became slower. I cannot complain though. I love his music especially his older CD's. He continually inspires me through his music.Free Music Review: Another great CD from Michael
Hit: 4 Stars
Although this isn't my favorite of Michael's CD's, it is really good. He's softened his sound on this one, but the messages still come through loud and clear. His worship CD's are my favorite, but if you're a Michael W. Smith fan, you'll love this also.Free Music Review: Just Ok
Hit: 3 Stars
The fact that a new Michael W. Smith recording is still a major release even after 20+ years in Christian music is a testament to the power his songs have had over the years. Songs from his self titled debut are still song regularly in churches across the country.
Unfortunately, this CD just doesn't live up to its potential.
Michael has recorded a collection of worship songs with a couple popish numbers thrown in. I realize his new commitment to worship music, and that's fine. But the songs he's picked here are rather bland. One of my biggest pet peeves with worship music is over repeated lyrics, a problem that seems to crop up on most of the songs. Even his cover of the classic "Oh Lord, Your Beautiful" gets repetitive. He just does the first verse and does it several times.
Don't get me wrong, there are some great themes here. The focus of the lyrics is on grace. We're reminded of God's presence in "Cover Me." God's grace in spite of our sin is the topic of "Grace." And the result of that grace is covered in "Come See." We're even challenged to extend that grace to others in "Open Arms." But the music is rather uninteresting and repetitive.
This CD isn't bad, but it's not great either. Ultimately, this is one of the biggest disappointments of Michael W. Smith's career.